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Q. What are my broadband options in Rural NSW?
Hi,
I would like Internet service to a property at Deep Creek 2440. Coverage maps show wireless availability but mobile phone service requires a 1.2m external antenna. A phone line is installed but Telstra advise it will not support even dial-up services and ADSL is not available. Our current plan is 5Gb per month of which we use around 2Gb. Can Optus offer Internet services to this location?
Thanks,
Graham

Graham Kent
14/02/2013 8:04:56 PM

Hi Graham,

Short answer: No.

In a nutshell, you're out of luck - and this is a very good example of how badly rural Australia is left in the shade when it comes to broadband.

Mobile Broadband is the industry's way of addressing your issue - and that's it. If you're using an external antenna to gain a signal, that's still cheaper, faster and better than satellite.

But mobile broadband can only account for basic browsing, email and a little bit of multimedia. Downloading large files, streaming video, Skype, online games - this will all require a fixed line connection (though from your email, I'm guessing that's not your biggest concern).

So if you don't already have an antenna, get one - Optus (1300 768 194) are usually pretty good on this issue, as are iPrimus (1300 137 794).

Too Far From Exchange

A fixed line ADSL connection can maintain signal over a copper line for about 4500 metres, until it dissipates entirely. My wholesale report shows that your address (provided in your original email but redacted for publication) lies about 4100m from the Mooneba exchange. You should be able to get a fixed-line ADSL connection. It wouldn't be fast, but it would be stable and economical.

Telstra might have been right - the information provided is an estimate, and would not account for poor quality lines or long loops of cable at some connection points.

BUT...we hear a lot of people complaining that Telstra have said they can't provide ADSL, where other providers can. Case in point: I'm in Melbourne and am about 3000 m from my exchange. TPG provide me with a zippy enough 7 Mbps connection. Telstra tell me they can't provide DSL.

So - it might be worth checking with another provider to see if you can get a link. My recommendation would be to take the following steps.

1. If your line isn't already connected for normal voice services, Call 13 22 00 and have it connected ASAP. You can connect it on even the Homelne Budget plan ($22.95 a month) if you only want it on for the broadband connection.

2. Once you're connected and have a dial tone and phone number, call iPrimus on 1300 137 794 and see if they can connect you, based on your number.

I've specifically chosen iPrimus because they have a locally based staff, committed to getting you online. And unlike Telstra, they don't have their own mobile broadband network to recommend - ADSL is still their bread and butter.

But they're not cheap. For cheaper options, try Club Telco (1300 138 155) or Dodo (1300 136 793). Or, you can try MyNetFone (1300 421 046) who are cheap AND have Australia-based customer service and sales.

WARNING: This recommendation is risky: if Telstra can connect your line but other providers still can't get you a broadband link, you'll ve left with a landline service that you may or may not want; you'll have paid a connection fee and will have to pay a $99 disconnection fee if this doesn't work and you want to disconnect the landline connection within 90 days. So try this at your own risk.

National Broadband Network (NBN)

The purpose of the NBN is to build fibre optic lines, or dedicated high speed mobile links, to every home in Australia guaranteeing 12 - 100 Mbps to every home, regardless of how remote you are. It will take several years to build, and your area is not within the 3 year rollout plan already released:

So for now, the literal only option to get a cheap, fast, economical broadband connection...is to move. In the meantime, check out your options for a mobile broadband connection with an external antenna.

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Q. What are my broadband options in Rural NSW?
Hi,
I would like Internet service to a property at Deep Creek 2440. Coverage maps show wireless availability but mobile phone service requires a 1.2m external antenna. A phone line is installed but Telstra advise it will not support even dial-up services and ADSL is not available. Our current plan is 5Gb per month of which we use around 2Gb. Can Optus offer Internet services to this location?
Thanks,
Graham

Graham Kent
14/02/2013 8:04:56 PM

Hi Graham,

Short answer: No.

In a nutshell, you're out of luck - and this is a very good example of how badly rural Australia is left in the shade when it comes to broadband.

Mobile Broadband is the industry's way of addressing your issue - and that's it. If you're using an external antenna to gain a signal, that's still cheaper, faster and better than satellite.

But mobile broadband can only account for basic browsing, email and a little bit of multimedia. Downloading large files, streaming video, Skype, online games - this will all require a fixed line connection (though from your email, I'm guessing that's not your biggest concern).

So if you don't already have an antenna, get one - Optus (1300 768 194) are usually pretty good on this issue, as are iPrimus (1300 137 794).

Too Far From Exchange

A fixed line ADSL connection can maintain signal over a copper line for about 4500 metres, until it dissipates entirely. My wholesale report shows that your address (provided in your original email but redacted for publication) lies about 4100m from the Mooneba exchange. You should be able to get a fixed-line ADSL connection. It wouldn't be fast, but it would be stable and economical.

Telstra might have been right - the information provided is an estimate, and would not account for poor quality lines or long loops of cable at some connection points.

BUT...we hear a lot of people complaining that Telstra have said they can't provide ADSL, where other providers can. Case in point: I'm in Melbourne and am about 3000 m from my exchange. TPG provide me with a zippy enough 7 Mbps connection. Telstra tell me they can't provide DSL.

So - it might be worth checking with another provider to see if you can get a link. My recommendation would be to take the following steps.

1. If your line isn't already connected for normal voice services, Call 13 22 00 and have it connected ASAP. You can connect it on even the Homelne Budget plan ($22.95 a month) if you only want it on for the broadband connection.

2. Once you're connected and have a dial tone and phone number, call iPrimus on 1300 137 794 and see if they can connect you, based on your number.

I've specifically chosen iPrimus because they have a locally based staff, committed to getting you online. And unlike Telstra, they don't have their own mobile broadband network to recommend - ADSL is still their bread and butter.

But they're not cheap. For cheaper options, try Club Telco (1300 138 155) or Dodo (1300 136 793). Or, you can try MyNetFone (1300 421 046) who are cheap AND have Australia-based customer service and sales.

WARNING: This recommendation is risky: if Telstra can connect your line but other providers still can't get you a broadband link, you'll ve left with a landline service that you may or may not want; you'll have paid a connection fee and will have to pay a $99 disconnection fee if this doesn't work and you want to disconnect the landline connection within 90 days. So try this at your own risk.

National Broadband Network (NBN)

The purpose of the NBN is to build fibre optic lines, or dedicated high speed mobile links, to every home in Australia guaranteeing 12 - 100 Mbps to every home, regardless of how remote you are. It will take several years to build, and your area is not within the 3 year rollout plan already released:

So for now, the literal only option to get a cheap, fast, economical broadband connection...is to move. In the meantime, check out your options for a mobile broadband connection with an external antenna.

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